Competitions & Events

Clubs afforded extra substitute

Hyundai A-League coaches will have a greater number of substitutes at their disposal for the upcoming season...

Hyundai A-League coaches will have a greater number of substitutes at their disposal for the upcoming season, following the announcement by Football Federation Australia (FFA) that the number of players nominated for the bench on match-days will increase by one player.

This will see the number of players on the bench rise from four to five, in order to give coaches greater flexibility in deciding the composition of their reserves.

The number of actual substitutions allowed will remain at the globally recognised three.

A-League coaches have campaigned for the rise in order to help bring the league into line with others around the world. It is anticipated the change will help allow coaches to play some of their younger squad members, who ordinarily might struggle to play the full 90 minutes of a match.

The FFA agreed to heed their calls following consultation with Club Owners as as part of the A-League review.

“Having an additional substitute will give coaches greater tactical options on match days which should translate to an even more exciting and closely fought Hyundai A-league season for fans,” an FFA spokesperson said.